Favourite Things: Leah Morris

For Webb’s head of decorative arts Leah Morris, the allure of an object lies in its history.

Favourite Things: Leah Morris

For Webb’s head of decorative arts Leah Morris, the allure of an object lies in its history.

Issue 23

Collections

Partner Content

Here + Webbs

Photographs by Stephen Wells

Double-Faced Lega Mask, Democratic Republic of the CongoI purchased this piece on a visit to New York in 2022 when I met up with my art-dealer client Zoumana Traore. After visiting all of the bougie galleries, he said, β€œI’m going to give you the full experience,” and took me to a storage unit where lots of the African art dealers sell from. They roll up their doors, and you just point out what you want. I was so taken by this mask. I read that they are used in celebrations of the Bwami, a society that works to teach and enforce social and ritual life amongst the Lega people.

I like objects that I can learn from. For me, collecting is about storytelling. I think it’s nice to think about the history of objects before they come to you: who owned them, the experiences they’ve had and how we can give them a second life.

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A lot of people look at collecting as an investment, and it is, but I think you need to look for pieces that call to you – things that spark interest and resonate. I’m drawn to objects from around the world that aren’t just decorative but are also functional to the source communities they come from. I love earthy tones, natural materials and interesting shapes that meld together.

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The way I see it, collecting is a bit of a journey, and my next step is into furniture. My house is filled with beautiful objects, so it’s time to engage with furniture that reflects who I am, like the Togo sofa. I’ve always wanted one, and they’re coming through Webb’s more often, which is great, as they’re more affordable secondhand – I just need to keep saving!

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WEBB’S

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Issue 23

Collections

Partner Content

Here + Webbs

Photographs by Stephen Wells

Double-Faced Lega Mask, Democratic Republic of the CongoI purchased this piece on a visit to New York in 2022 when I met up with my art-dealer client Zoumana Traore. After visiting all of the bougie galleries, he said, β€œI’m going to give you the full experience,” and took me to a storage unit where lots of the African art dealers sell from. They roll up their doors, and you just point out what you want. I was so taken by this mask. I read that they are used in celebrations of the Bwami, a society that works to teach and enforce social and ritual life amongst the Lega people.

Roller SkatesI was a keen roller derby player between 2012 and 2022 with the local Auckland league Pirate City Rollers. I played on our touring team, which travelled a lot internationally, including to Australia, Hawaii and other parts of America. I also represented Team Aotearoa in the 2018 World Cup in England. I like to keep my skates out and remind myself that I used to be a bit of a badass.

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Ceramic Bowl and Stand by Iza LozanoIza is a Mexican artist who lives in Tāmaki Makaurau. She has had two residencies at programmes with the Auckland Studio Potters and Driving Creek Pottery. She is so talented, and I love her work, so I was very happy to be gifted this bowl a couple of Christmases ago.

Albumen print of Ohinemutu Pā in Rotorua by C SpencerI recently purchased this photograph in the Artifacts: From the Collection of John Perry auction at Webb’s. It shows a geothermal body of water with half-submerged palisades. It was such a lovely experience looking through John’s collection and having an insight into how others build their collections and make connections throughout.

Silver SpursThese are my most treasured pieces. I inherited them when my grandma passed away a few years ago. My grandfather worked with the United Nations, so they spent a lot of time travelling the world. I remember going to their house when I was young and admiring shelves of beautiful collected things – I think that inspired me to follow my career path. They also remind me of the song Summer Wine by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood.

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